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The neighborhood is the basic building block of human civilization, whether in a big city, small town or suburban community. It’s also the place where you can have the most influence in making a better world.

These suggestions, drawn from my book The Great Neighborhood Book (a collaboration with Project for Public Spaces) are focused on strengthening the sense of community and spirit of the commons by providing people with ways to come together as friends, neighbors and citizens. That creates a firm foundation that enables a neighborhood to solve problems and seize opportunities. This is drawn from a presentation I regularly give to community, civic, academic, professional and business groups. For more information, see Jay Walljasper.com.

Give people a place to hang-out

Give people something to see

Give people something to do

Give people a place to sit down

Give people a safe, comfortable place to walk

Give people a safe, comfortable place to bike

Give people reliable, comfortable public transportation

Make the streets safe—from crime

Make the streets safe—from traffic

Remember the streets belong to everyone—not just motorists

Don’t forget about the needs of older neighbors

Don’t forget about the needs of kids

Let your community go to the dogs

Reclaim front yards as social spaces

Remember the best neighborhoods, even in big cities, feel like villages

Plan for winter weather as well as sunny, warm days

Don’t fear density—people enjoy being around other people

Don’t give up hope—great changes are possible when neighbors get together

Build on what’s good in your community to make things even better

Remember the power of the commons: people working together for the benefit of everyone in the neighborhood.

Never underestimate the power of a shared meal to move people into action

Start with small steps—like planting flowers

Become a community booster, watchdog, patriot

Learn from other neighborhoods in your town and around the world

Take the time to have fun and enjoy what’s already great about your neighborhood